HONOLULU — National Weather Service (NWS) briefed Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), local emergency management and civil defense agencies, and federal and state partners on the favorable change in Tropical Storm Hilda’s intensity and track this morning.

As of the 5 a.m. NWS advisory, Hawaii County remains in a Tropical Storm Watch, Flash Flood Watch, and High Surf Warning. There is a less than 10% chance of tropical storm force winds impacting Hawaii Island. The most significant threat expected is heavy rainfall of 6-12” along the east and southeast slopes, with some areas possibly facing 18” of rain. Neighboring islands are expected to see the equivalent of strong trades and locally heavy rains.

“Our coordination and preparedness efforts at the local and state level will continue in proportion to the threat,” said Doug Mayne, Administrator of Emergency Management. “We thank our partners for their flexibility and willingness to commit staff and resources towards readying the state for potential events such as Hilda.”